Divide over use of traditional instruments

This year, the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), an umbrella body of Ganesh mandals in the city, has appealed to organisers to opt for traditional musical instruments instead of hiring disc jockeys.

This year, the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), an umbrella body of Ganesh mandals in the city, has appealed to organisers to opt for traditional musical instruments instead of hiring disc jockeys.

“We have requested organisers to use lezims and dhols to help lower noise levels during the visarjan,” said Naresh Dahibawkar, president, BSGSS.

However, Sumaira Abdulali from Awaaz Foundation, a non-government organisation, refuted the claim that traditional instruments lead to lower noise levels. “While we appreciate the Samiti’s intentions, they seem to be misinformed. On the five-day immersions, the highest noise levels recorded were from traditional instruments,” she said.

The BSGSS expects more than 7,500 immersions by Sarvajanik mandals across the city on Saturday, half of them at Girgaum Chowpatty. As many as 25,000 idols are expected to be immersed in artificial lakes.

The Tejukaya Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Lalbaug, whose 21-foot idol had collapsed midway during immersion last year, has taken adequate precaution to ensure the incident is not repeated.

“We have surveyed the entire route, and kept gunny bags ready to fill up potholes and manage uneven roads,” said secretary Mangesh Patade. Till midnight on Friday, as many as eight lakh devotees are expected to queue up at the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal to catch a final glimpse of the Lord.